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All options remain open - don't miss the chance to have your say!http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=728903http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=728903
All options remain open - don't miss the chance to have your say

Tuesday, 06 Sep 2016

Hampshire residents have just two more weeks to have their say in the County Council's Serving Hampshire consultation on the future of local government in the county - which closes on 20 September.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Roy Perry, said: "This consultation is all about how local council services across Hampshire are delivered in future, such as social care, roads, schools, refuse collection, waste recycling centres and country parks. Understandably, these types of services matter to local communities. This is why we are keen to hear from residents before we develop any proposals for the Government to consider.

"As I've stressed before, the County Council's consultation is different from other councils', in as much as we are genuinely listening first and keeping all options open. I take the view that in a democracy you should ask first and decide second, not the other way round.

"This is a fundamental point, as there has been some degree of misrepresentation of our position, by other local councils. Our consultation invites views on a range of options and does NOT propose any one single, preferred way forward. Only when we have heard from the people of Hampshire, will the County Council make any decisions.

"It's a fact that the majority of people in Hampshire are served by at least two councils - Hampshire County Council (responsible for most large-scale services e.g. education, social care and road maintenance), and a district / borough council (responsible for smaller services e.g. planning). Amongst other things, we're asking residents whether the status quo is acceptable - could it be improved, or should a new structure be introduced?

"In considering these options, it's important that we don't lose sight of the scale of the financial challenge that lies ahead of all of us. Hampshire County Council alone will need to find an extra £120 million of on-going savings by 2019, on top of the £340 million it will already have secured by 2017. The district and borough councils will be facing a similarly daunting picture. To date, the County Council has managed to secure savings while maintaining, the high quality services, that Hampshire residents have come to trust and expect.

"It's because we're faced with these challenges, that we're exploring all available options, in order to find a sustainable structure for local government for generations to come. Listening first, before taking fundamental decisions about the future - remains our commitment to the people of Hampshire

As the Team GB Olympians arrive home from Rio de Janeiro, Councillor Peter Edgar, Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Education, comments on the role the County Council and schools have played towards the Team's success, through the support of Sport Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

Councillor Edgar said: "What a magnificent year this has been for Team GB in Rio de Janeiro and, I am pleased to say, there is more to come.

"It is marvellous to see so many benefitting from sport and achieving great things.

"Of course, it all starts at grass roots level and I am so proud that we have been able to play a part in that success. Thanks to the Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme (HTAS), two Olympians and five Paralympians have benefitted from the scheme's financial, training and nutritional support that has helped them to follow their dreams and compete in the world arena."

Co-ordinated by Sport Hampshire and the Isle of Wight (Sport HIOW), on behalf of the County Council, HTAS is just one example of the enormous contribution that Sport HIOW makes in getting children in to sport, both in schools and in local communities.

Councillor Edgar continued: "I had the immense pleasure, earlier this summer, to be present at the Hampshire School Games, organised by Sport HIOW and held in Aldershot, using the Army's superb facilities. It was absolutely incredible to see the coming together of more than 2,300 school children, of all ages and from all over the county and the Isle of Wight, taking part in 16 different sports and thoroughly enjoying doing so.

"From countywide experiences like this and the excellent coverage and reporting of the Olympics, I would like to think that many of those school children will have been inspired to reach for the stars and take their chosen sport to the next level, going for gold regionally, nationally and internationally.

"Very much like Odiham hockey star Alex Danson who, at this year's Olympics, truly struck gold as a member of the world champion hockey team. As well as benefiting from HTAS, Alex has returned the support many times over with visits to local schools and the School Games, to motivate Hampshire's next generation of exceptional sports men and women.

"We now have the Paralympics to look forward to and I can assure you that we'll be rooting just as hard for our Hampshire Paralympians. Among them will be world champion para swimmer, Alice Tai, who has been supported by HTAS for the past five years.

"In the meantime, I would like to add my personal congratulations to all of Hampshire's Olympians and Paralympians - qualifying to be a member of Team GB is the most fantastic achievement. "

Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Education, Councillor Peter Edgar is congratulating students across Hampshire - as thousands celebrate success following the release of this year's results for A-level and vocational qualifications.

"Provisional results suggest that we can applaud Hampshire's students who sat A-Level examinations and equivalent vocational qualifications this summer", commented Councillor Edgar.

Provisional 2016 results, reported by Hampshire colleges and school sixth forms, indicate that 92 per cent of post-16 A-level students have achieved two or more passes at A*-E grade, and 78 per cent achieved three passes. Both results are above the 2015 national average (91 per cent and 77 per cent respectively). The percentage of those achieving high pass rates of three grades at AAB or better, at 13 per cent, is again above last year's average (12 per cent).

Councillor Edgar added: "This summer's results are a reflection of the hard work of students who benefit from the high quality post-16 education and training that we have in Hampshire. It's important that young people have the opportunity to study the subjects that interest them and are given the opportunity to achieve results that will enable them to pursue their career plans through university, work based training or full time employment. It is particularly pleasing to see a high percentage of Hampshire students achieving the highest grades. I wish to acknowledge and thank the many excellent teaching and support staff in our colleges and school sixth forms who, along with parents and carers, work so hard to support students to achieve.

"Students who have gained vocational qualifications and apprenticeships should be congratulated in equal measure. Having visited a large number of schools, colleges and businesses over the last few years, and spoken with many young people in training, I am absolutely convinced that they provide for an excellent and motivational career. Opportunities here in Hampshire are greater than ever before - whatever qualifications are achieved."

The County Council retains a responsibility for young people to the age of 18 (or age 25 years in the case of young people with learning disabilities) and supports Hampshire's post-16 providers in continuing to offer a wide range of high-quality education and training opportunities. As well as A-level and Vocational Diplomas, students across the county studied for a wide range of other qualifications including AS level and apprenticeships.

Hampshire County Youth Orchestra has been praised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for an 'outstanding' concert in Budapest, Hungary, as part of the orchestra's summer tour, organised by Hampshire County Council's Music Service.

The FCO's Deputy Head of Mission in Budapest, Caitlin Jones, said: "The audience was blown away. I wish I had known how good they were going to be!"

The County Council's Executive Member for Education, Councillor Peter Edgar said: "Our County Youth Orchestra is well known locally for its high standard of music and thoroughly enjoyable performances, so I am not surprised that they have won this high praise internationally, on their tour of Hungary. I am very glad that the audience in Budapest enjoyed the performance so much.

"The orchestra's international tours offer a major opportunity for young people to broaden their horizons, develop their confidence, and celebrate the way music can bring different nations together. It's an invaluable experience and I am pleased that we are able to offer it to so many young musicians."

Hampshire County Youth Orchestra is a full symphony orchestra with around 100 players, aged 11 to 19, from Hampshire schools. Performances include symphonies, new commissions, concertos and scores from film and stage productions.

The Hampshire County Youth Orchestra, provided by the County Council's Music Service, features some of the county's most experienced young players. The Music Service also provides a wide variety of ensembles across the county for students of all standards, ranging from wind and percussion ensembles to bands, choirs and orchestras.

The Hampshire County Training Band and Hampshire County Junior Band also toured this year, through Alsace in France, and the Black Forest region in Germany.

]]>Wed, 17 Aug 2016 08:00:00 GMTHampshire children invited to get creative by designing a library card in a new competitionhttp://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=727169http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=727169
Hampshire children invited to get creative by designing a library card in a new competition

Monday, 15 August 2016

Hampshire County Council's Library Service is inviting four to eleven year olds to get creative by designing a brand new children's library card.

For the first time ever, a short competition is being run by Hampshire libraries to replace existing library cards for children, with two new fun and vibrant designs by Hampshire children who have completed this year's current Summer Reading Challenge, The Big Friendly Read.

Children will receive an entry form once they finish the Summer Reading Challenge along with their medal and certificate, and can create any design they imagine from now until 30 September. Designs could be inspired by a whole range of favourite animals and characters, including swashbuckling pirates, pretty princesses, daring dragons and lovely ladybirds.

Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Culture, Recreation and Countryside, Councillor Andrew Gibson, said: "We're inviting young children to show off their creative flair by entering the competition and designing the new library card which will be used by thousands of children across our libraries.

"There is still lots of time for children to enter by completing the Summer Reading Challenge in any of Hampshire's libraries when they read any six library books by 18 September.

"Favourite books read on the Summer Reading Challenge are the perfect inspiration for entries which can be drawn in any colour or design. We hope children have fun with their colouring pens and pencils and we're looking forward to receiving a range of designs, we wish everyone the best of luck."

Competition entries are limited to one per child and will be split into two categories; ages four to seven and eight to eleven. Both categories will have a winner and runner up with exciting prizes up for grabs for these four youngsters. The winner of the 4-7 age category will receive a Kindle Fire Kids, and a copy of the book 'Where's Will' while the winner of the 8-11 age category will be given a 3Doodler and a copy of 'Where's Will.'

Designs can be submitted by post, scanning it into a computer or taking a photograph of it and attaching it to an email. Both winners' designs will be made into actual library cards.

All entrants will need to provide a postal address, an email address, telephone number and age in order to be contacted if their entry is chosen.

Competition winners will be selected by a judging panel made up of Hampshire County Council library staff. Winners will be contacted by the end of October.

Inspiration to finish the Summer Reading Challenge and enter the competition can be found thanks to this Hampshire libraries' blog which reveals the current top 10 most popular reads.

Anyone living, working or studying in Hampshire can become a member of Hampshire Libraries by joining online or in person at any Hampshire library to start enjoying a wide range of free resources including books, e-books, e-magazines and language packs.

]]>Mon, 15 Aug 2016 12:02:00 GMTOpportunities for young people - whatever their gradeshttp://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=726503http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=726503
Opportunities for young people - whatever their grades

Tuesday, 9 August 2016

As young people await their GCSE results, Hampshire County Council is supporting those who would like to continue their learning journey in the work environment - with places now available on traineeships. One of the options, called 'First Traineeship' offers opportunities for those who have not got a D or above in their Maths and English GCSEs.

Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Education, Councillor Peter Edgar, said: "We know from experience that training in the workplace is a positive option that leads many people into successful, fulfilling careers. We are committed to providing all the opportunities we can to support Hampshire's young people to find work, and continue their learning journey in a way that is practical and enjoyable for them, such as traineeships, apprenticeships and work experience placements.

"No matter what a young person's GCSE grades are, a traineeship could provide the inspiration, motivation and skills they need to achieve their ambitions."

The County Council offers two traineeships:

First traineeship is for 16 to 19 year olds (or individuals up to 24 years old with an EHCP - educational health and care plan), who have a grade E or below in Maths and English GCSE. It includes work experience, volunteering, support to develop the Maths and English skills that are crucial to the workplace, and help with employability skills such as CV writing and presenting well in an interview.

Traineeship Plus is for 16 to 24 year olds, who have a grade D or above in Maths and English GCSE. It includes a high quality work placement for 20 weeks and support with employability skills and preparation for work.

To be eligible for either of the traineeships, young people need to be committed and enthusiastic about learning and working. Both traineeships lead to a nationally-recognised employability qualification, supported by Reed Employment Agency. Bursary payments are available for participants in both traineeships, which are calculated according to individual circumstances.

The types of work placements usually available include:

Business administration

Health and social care

Construction

Other industry sectors such as highways, countryside and catering

Harvey Lynam, from Farnborough, completed a traineeship with Hampshire County Council last year, which has now led him into an apprenticeship in HGV mechanics, which is going well. Harvey said: "If you're thinking of doing a traineeship - do it! It really helps a lot."

Applications for the current round of both traineeships will close on 29 August. The two courses begin on 12 September. To apply, young people should contact hyip@hants.gov.uk or call 01962 846193. For more information about traineeships and other career options, visit: www.hants.gov.uk/youthsupport-careers

]]>Tue, 09 Aug 2016 09:32:00 GMTHampshire County Council saluted for Armed Forces supporthttp://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=726174http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=726174
Hampshire County Council saluted for Armed Forces support

Thursday, 04 August 2016

Hampshire County Council's commitment to the Armed Forces as a local authority and employer has been recognised with a Gold Award within the MOD Employer Recognition Scheme.

The County Council was one of the first local authorities to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and establish a strategic Civilian Military Partnership to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.

The local authority employs a number of ex service personnel and reservists from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, and has been proudly supporting the armed forces communities in the county for many years, which is among the largest in the country with over 60,000 veterans, 20,000 serving personnel, 1,200 reservists and 4,000 civilians employed by the MOD.

Councillor Roy Perry, the Leader of Hampshire County Council, said: "We are very proud of our armed forces community, and I had the pleasure of meeting many of them last week, when the Duchess of Cornwall officially opened the Poppy Pods at the County Council's Tile Barn Outdoor Centre. The 20 wooden camping pods are free for military families, offering respite in the heart of the New Forest, as part of our legacy in thanking our forces community for their service and sacrifices. It was humbling to speak to veterans and serving personnel to truly appreciate the positive impact that the Poppy Pods have had, and to give something back to those who have already given so much for this country."

Councillor Andrew Joy, the County Council's Armed Forces Champion and Executive Member for Communities, Partnerships and External Affairs, said: "We are honoured to receive this award which highlights our ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces communities and employees linked to the armed forces. This is particularly true of reservists at the County Council who are entitled to two weeks additional paid leave for training and other duties. We have established an excellent and rewarding partnership with HMS King Alfred in Portsmouth, helping one of the largest naval reserve training centres in the country to exceed its recruitment targets and revitalise the naval reserve forces. We'll continue to do as much as we can to support them."

Councillors and officers have championed a number of other military supporting projects and policies including promotion of civil events such as Armed Forces Day and free or discounted entry for serving or ex service members to the Council's attractions. In November, the County Council will also host an event for service leavers and their partners/spouses to make them aware of career opportunities at the local authority.

For more details on the County Council's strong links with the Armed Forces visit www.hants.gov.uk/armed-forces

]]>Thu, 04 Aug 2016 13:17:00 GMTHigh-achieving trainees, apprentices and employers celebrated at Hampshire Investors in Young People Awards 2016http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=725328http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=725328
High-achieving trainees, apprentices and employers celebrated at Hampshire Investors in Young People Awards 2016

Wednesday, 27 Jul 2016

Hampshire County Council's second annual Investors in Young People Awards have given special recognition to eight of the Council's very best apprentices and trainees, when they became winners or runners up in the four categories of this year's awards.

The Awards recognise those apprentices and trainees, employed through the County Council's Youth Investment Programme, for their drive and commitment to the work of the County Council. They also recognise other employers and the County Council's teams that have provided good support for trainees and apprentices, across Hampshire.

The Council's Executive Member for Education, Councillor Peter Edgar, said: "The County Council values its young trainees and apprentices very highly indeed and we are very proud to see them achieving so much."

"I would encourage other employers to take the opportunity to help shape the future of their organisation by taking on apprentices and trainees; and I offer my best wishes to all the young people who are working hard to learn new skills and familiarise themselves with the working world - I believe they have a bright future ahead of them."

This year's awards were presented by a variety of County Councillors. Winners included:

Investors in Young People Award (for employers): BT and Chewton Glen Hotel and Spa

Presenting Lawrence with the Chairman's Award was the Vice Chairman of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Graham Burgess, who said: "I am fully supportive of these awards and the team spirit they generate. They also show that Hampshire County Council invests in apprentices and trainees, and enables them to develop in the workplace."

The evening included a talk by the Council's Brathay Apprentice Challenge Team - a group of nine apprentices who recently became regional winners and national finalists in the prestigious UK-wide competition for apprentices, run by the Brathay Trust.

There was also a speech by two of the County Council's young trainees, Jessica Pyle and Maisie Girvan, who have both completed business administration work placements with Hampshire's Virtual School for Children in Care, which is a service that aims to improve the educational attainment of children in care in Hampshire.

]]>Wed, 27 Jul 2016 17:35:00 GMTMore than £1 million funding agreed for adult and community learninghttp://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=724674http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=724674
More than £1 million funding agreed for adult and community learning

Wednesday 20 July 2016

Around 15,000 adults in Hampshire are set to benefit from a Hampshire County Council investment of £1.35 million for adult and community learning provision in the coming academic year, starting in September 2016.

Around £1.09 million is being allocated to providers, and further funding will be made available during the course of the year, according to demand. This Adult and Community Learning programme operates alongside the additional £570,000 funding provided directly to Hampshire Further Education colleges for community learning.

Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Education, Councillor Peter Edgar, said: "Whether it's gaining the skills necessary to secure a job, discovering the internet for the first time, or learning how to build a healthier lifestyle for yourself and your family, Adult and Community Learning can offer a stepping stone to a better quality of life.

"With this year's programme of funding to providers who offer good quality courses across Hampshire, we aim to make more learning opportunities available to more people - and ultimately improve people's job prospects, give them more opportunities to engage with their local community, and improve their health and wellbeing."

The allocation of funding is divided as follows:

1. £500,000 for "Hampshire Works": Targeted programmes to support people over the age of 19 in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance, providing free courses to help access employment. This includes provision for people with learning difficulties or disabilities.

2. £500,000 for "Hampshire Thrives": Targeted programmes to support people without GCSEs or equivalent, or who receive Income Support or Universal Credit, or who have a learning difficulty or disability. The free courses will cover English and maths skills (including family learning, where adults and children learn together), digital inclusion, community integration and health and wellbeing.

3. £350,000 for "Hampshire Learns": This programme aims to encourage wider participation in Adult and Community Learning. Hampshire County Council's contribution is part of a £1.4 million programme of courses, with the rest of the funding being collected from the learners themselves, in fees. Some learners will be entitled to a 50% fee remission, as per the policy laid out below.

An additional £100,000 fee remission budget has also been allocated, to support a new revised fees policy aimed at ensuring the 'Hampshire Learns' courses are accessible to those with low incomes.

A 50% discount on fees is offered to the following learners:

Those eligible and in receipt of work-related benefits including Working Tax Credit (Income limit £16,105)

Those eligible and in receipt of Income Support or Universal Credit; Council Tax; or Housing Benefit

Those eligible and in receipt of a State Pension

Those who live in households where children are eligible for Free School Meals

Those aged 19-25 who were formerly in the care of Hampshire County Council (Care Leavers)

Learners who are asylum seekers (or their dependants) in receipt of the equivalent of income based benefit (assistance under the terms of the 1999 Immigration and Asylum Act).

The Met Office has today issued a Level 3 Heatwave Alert for the South East Region, which is due to last until 0900 on Thursday 19th July.

The trigger level for the South East is 31°c on two or more consecutive days and 16°c during the night.

During a heatwave there are a few groups of people who are at higher risk of suffering from severe health effects.

These include babies and very young children, older people, people with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart conditions, diabetes, respiratory or renal problem, Parkinson's disease or severe mental illness. Also, those on medications which affect renal function, sweating or make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Some housing may also affect people's ability to keep cool, such as living near the top of high rise flats or being homeless.

For more information on how to keep yourself and loved ones cool visit NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk/heatwave

The Department of Health Heatwave Plan also has some simple advice to help people cope with the heat. These are particularly important for those in the high risk groups in order to avoid suffering ill-effects from the heat:

Stay out of the heat:

Keep out of the sun between 11.00am and 3.00pm

If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf

Avoid extreme physical exertion

Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.

Cool yourself down:

Have plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.

Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content.

Take a cool shower, bath or body wash

Sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck

Keep your environment cool:

Keeping your living space cool is especially important for infants, the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or who can⦣8364;t look after themselves.

Place a thermometer in your main living room and bedroom to keep a check on the temperature

Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped

Close curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun. However, care should be taken with metal blinds and dark curtains, as these can absorb heat ⦣8364; consider replacing or putting reflective material in-between them and the window space

]]>Tue, 19 Jul 2016 16:29:00 GMTHampshire's young musicians gather the community for festival performancehttp://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=724001http://www3.hants.gov.uk/hantswebnewslist.htm?id=724001
Hampshire's young musicians gather the community for festival performance

Friday, 15 July 2016

As part of the Winchester Festival, Hampshire County Youth Orchestra brought a musical spectacle to Winchester Cathedral, with their performance of Benjamin Britten's 'Noye's Fludde', accompanied by singers of all ages, and a range of extra instruments from recorders to tea cups.

Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Education, Councillor Peter Edgar, said: "Our County Youth Orchestra is very popular and the young musicians always enjoy taking part in the Winchester Festival. Noye's Fludde is a great composition and the orchestra managed to involve the musicians'; whole community - adults and children, staff and parents. It was an impressive performance.

"Young people benefit so much from playing an instrument, especially in an ensemble or orchestra - it's good for learning, it's creative, it's an opportunity to make more friends and work as a team, and above all it's fun. Our Music Service offers children, from all backgrounds, the chance to play an instrument and I would encourage all Hampshire's youngsters to seize the opportunity."

Around 250 performers took part in the performance, following months of weekly rehearsals, bringing a huge variety of instruments into the mix.

The performers included around 50 young string musicians from across Hampshire who had tried a taster session with the Orchestra earlier this year, and then signed up to the weekly rehearsals to join the performance.

Also taking part were children and young people from Romsey Youth Choir, St. Bede's Catholic Primary School, Basingstoke, Kings Furlong Junior School, Locks Heath, Owslebury Primary School, Winchester, Winchester Area Schools Orchestra, and members of the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra.

Noye's Fludde was originally a medieval 'miracle and mystery'. Such plays were representations of Bible stories, devised to teach the Bible to a largely illiterate population. The narrative for Britten's Noye's Fludde opera is based on the story of Noah and was first performed in 1958.